The Pulpiteer

I meant to blog yesterday, it’s been awhile, sorry.  But I did mean to blog yesterday because something cool happened.  I had communion.  Now don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a surprise communion.  I was at a training for a Christian retreat that I am a part of, and communion is a regular part of those sessions.  It was a busy morning though, getting things around and trying to tie up a few loose ends prior to entering the devotion time that we had before worship.  The pastor leading the communion time did a nice meditation and then all of a sudden it was time to head up for communion, and it hit me.  You see, I hadn’t eaten in 6 days by that point.  That’s the longest I’ve gone fasting, and going that long without food is strange in and of itself, but this chunk of communion bread dipped in juice would be the only thing I was going to eat in over 6 days.  The flavors burst in my mouth, the grape juice actually stung a little, and I made my way back to my pew to pray.  As I got there I was overwhelmed by gratitude towards God for the ways he’s provided for me.  I know that may sound weird, to eat one morsel and be overcome by gratitude for what’s been provided, but that was the distinctly strong feeling I had.  And so I prayed, “Thank you.”  There have been a few of these sorts of “surprises” during this fast so far.  Lest you think I’m super spiritual, I’ve really enjoyed eating today (Sunday) and I still miss food.  But this experience is quite a journey so far.  I’ll leave you with the prayer for the week from “The Divine Hours” last week.  It was of great comfort for me.

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who cares for us: Preserve me from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from me the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

No Comments »